FGFR-targeted treatments for stomach and esophagus cancer
Official title: Targeting FGFR Alterations in Gastroesophageal Cancer
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11140393 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Developing new drug combinations that target FGFR2 changes for people with gastroesophageal (stomach and esophagus) cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $680,532 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA294689-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140393 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma whose tumors show FGFR2 amplification or fusion, especially those who have progressed on FGFR inhibitors, would be the most relevant candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not have FGFR2 alterations or who have other cancer types are unlikely to benefit from these FGFR2-directed approaches.
What this research studies
This project focuses on cancers of the stomach and esophagus that have FGFR2 gene changes, which occur in about 10% of patients and are linked to poorer outcomes. Researchers plan to create and test biparatopic antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) designed to overcome resistance seen with current FGFR kinase inhibitors. The team will use patient tumor samples, lab-grown cancer models, and molecular analysis of resistance mutations to guide these designs. Findings are intended to inform better treatment strategies and support future clinical testing for patients with FGFR2-altered tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to treatments that work for longer and overcome resistance to current FGFR-targeted drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier medicines like the anti-FGFR2 antibody bemarituzumab and the FGFR2-selective TKI RLY4008 have shown promise, but resistance often develops, motivating this new combination approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ryeom, Sandra — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ryeom, Sandra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting FGFR Alterations in Gastroesophageal Cancer
A study aiming to improve treatment for stomach and esophagus cancers by targeting FGFR2 alterations, including combinations with antibody therapies.
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Combining immunotherapy to improve treatment for metastatic gastroesophageal cancer
This study is exploring a new way to treat advanced stomach and esophagus cancer by using a mix of immune therapies to help your body fight the cancer better, and it's designed for patients looking for improved treatment options.
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Targeting specific changes in a cancer-related gene in stomach and esophagus cancer
This study is looking at new ways to treat stomach and esophagus cancer for patients with certain changes in their FGFR2 gene, by combining regular chemotherapy with special targeted treatments to help improve their chances of recovery.
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MGC030 in adults with advanced solid tumors
This trial tests MGC030 in adults with advanced urothelial, gastric/GEJ, esophageal, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, or GEJ cancers to see if it is safe and whether it can shrink tumors or stop growth.
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First-in-human dose study of DA-3501 for CLDN18.2-positive stomach, GEJ cancer, and pancreatic cancer
A first-in-human study tests DA-3501 in adults with CLDN18.2-positive advanced stomach/GEJ cancer or pancreatic cancer to find a safe, effective dose.
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Collecting blood and leftover tumor tissue to test molecular residual disease (MRD) detection
This project will test whether blood and leftover tumor tissue from adults with certain solid tumors can be used with Natera's MRD blood tests to find tiny amounts of cancer (ctDNA) after treatment.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.